Lynn Glickman, Asst. Sup. for HR, CCSD21 - timing and topic of chat (Surviving the HR Chaos) are ironic. My tweets are scheduled as I need to miss chat to interview candidates for last minute secretary vacancies... #IASPAchat
A1: Kathleen Kelly Colgan - Exec Director of Human Resources for Morton HS District 201 in Cicero. 4th day in my new role! TweetDecking this chat this morning My walk up song: "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift :) #IASPAchat
Monica Schroeder, Deputy Superintendent, Highland Park, IL, and my walk-out song would be Roar by Katy Perry to introduce me at a big event. #IASPAchat
A1 My Business Office staff will be ''Welcoming Back' our staff by orienting all @NSSD112 on our new benefits with @GallagherGlobal#NIHIP in August, which we recently joined. #IASPAChat
A1: For new staff, relationship building activities with their 1:1 and building mentors. For all, an outstanding opening presentation day by @casas_jimmy on #Culturize. #IASPAchat
A1: For new staff, a lot of "get-to-know-you" events. A bus tour of the community, which I am MC'ing! A lot of breakfast and lunch provided and critical time with mentors #IASPAchat
A1: Learning about that this week! Plans have been in place since before my arrival :) There is a fun "bit" in each opening session that I can't divulge! #IASPAchat
A2 We have lots of positions open @NSSD112 but @D112jobs, @Mschroeder6 & @mikelubelfeld have done a fantastic job of filling teacher and admin positions. On a dept level - Payroll Manager is still open #IASPAChat
A2: We have had a number of ESL, middle school Spanish, and middle and elementary Dual Language Spanish positions become available and there's a limited pool of qualified candidates that many districts are competing for at this time. #IASPAchat
Parapro's/Teacher Assistants are always a tough position to fill at this time of the year. So many move on to teaching roles, which I fully support. #IASPAchat
A2: We have had a number of leadership positions become available over the last seven months as current outstanding #engage109 leaders move up in their career. Finding high caliber leadership is time consuming and critical, but we are almost there. #IASPAchat
Agreed. We are filling 3 due to student teaching. Excited to watch them become more successful but difficult to find their caliber of knowledge. #IASPAchat
Q3: We have used temp services for unfilled related service providers (e.g. SLP, OT, PT). If we are in a bind, we may look to retirees to come help us fill a vacancy. At least they can work longer now! #IASPAchat
We also have a recent admin assistant vacancy due to a resignation. I still have paraprofessionals who have not been recalled. I'll retweet your vacancies if you post them/ #IASPAchat
A3: We reach out to the ROE, various colleges/universities, and colleagues in other districts to see if they know candidates and/or can spread the word that we are looking for a particular position. #IASPAchat
A3: We send emails to our staff to see if they can recommend someone to fill a vacancy. We've also had to reassign staff for hard to fill positions and then try to fill that position. #IASPAchat
A3: We tap into professional organizations for that particular role that's difficult to fill as well as reach out directly to universities and colleges to get some insight to who is available. #IASPAchat
A3: We reach out to the ROE, various colleges/universities, and colleagues in other districts to see if they know candidates and/or can spread the word that we are looking for a particular position. #IASPAchat
I just received a DL resignation this morning. I'm happy for her, but sad for us. We'll all be OK. I'm glad that we're all in this together. #IASPAchat
Q4: We coordinate and make sure we hand off projects to one another. For example, most of the HR team was out the week of July 4th. We met before they left and they handed their "piles" to me. When I go out, I hand off to them. Love my OP HR Team!!! #IASPAchat
I just received a DL resignation this morning. I'm happy for her, but sad for us. We'll all be OK. I'm glad that we're all in this together. #IASPAchat
Q4: We coordinate and make sure we hand off projects to one another. For example, most of the HR team was out the week of July 4th. We met before they left and they handed their "piles" to me. When I go out, I hand off to them. Love my OP HR Team!!! #IASPAchat
Q4: How do you successfully manage time off (vacation) between yourself and your department with the burgeoning pile of paperwork and data entry that needs to be completed? #IASPAchat
A4: We try to schedule time in June and July in a way that allows us coverage every day. Rarely do we take vacation in August other than a day here or there for weddings and taking kids to college. #IASPAchat
We took a strong stance on cross training in my district a number of years ago. It is critical to ensure that we can function when someone is gone for summer much needed rest and relaxation. #IASPAchat.
A4: We communicate our vacations ahead of time, we're also cross training w/in the department, we have a fantastic .3 part-time personnel manager (my predecessor)@JohnSprangers, & we call on a recently retired admin asst. to help us. #IASPAchat
A4: This requires patience and flexibility. Summer work in HR is both exhausting and different than what happens at other times of the year. Be prepared and plan accordingly to ensure it is done. #IASPAchat
A3: If necessary, collapsing sections and adding an overload - not really my fave thing to do. Also if an elective, potentially scheduling students for their second choice. Also not ideal. #IASPAchat
A3: If necessary, collapsing sections and adding an overload - not really my fave thing to do. Also if an elective, potentially scheduling students for their second choice. Also not ideal. #IASPAchat
We took a strong stance on cross training in my district a number of years ago. It is critical to ensure that we can function when someone is gone for summer much needed rest and relaxation. #IASPAchat.
Q6: We often ask our candidates to assist us by providing cell numbers for their references in the event we can't get in touch. I find that colleagues in other districts are really good at responding in a timely fashion to a reference check call. #IASPAchat
Q5 Am amazed when districts poach from each other without reference checks. At best, this leads to bad feelings between districts and HR colleagues. At worst, D1 is abandoned without a heads up, and D2 doesn't really know who is showing up. #IASPAchat
A5: We generally hire staff that are not under contract somewhere else this late in the summer. The exception would be if they are coming for a "promotion" position. We work with the other district on transition and coverage there before person starts with us. #IASPAchat
A5:Be ethical - if you are taking someone last minute you are impacting students - let people give notice and the opp 4 that district to have 2 wks or so to hire. Karma, baby! ALSO: build your applicant pool constantly so you have a bench to go to if needed! #IASPAchat
Q5 Am amazed when districts poach from each other without reference checks. At best, this leads to bad feelings between districts and HR colleagues. At worst, D1 is abandoned without a heads up, and D2 doesn't really know who is showing up. #IASPAchat
A5:I want people in our organization who want to be here for our Ss. I have the belief that other HR leaders feel the same. I strive to openly communicate selection timelines with the other district, especially on admin hires. I hope for the same kind of communication. #IASPAchat
A5: I hope to never get in the way of someone who wants to pursue an opportunity somewhere else. I believe in our hiring protocols and that we can find a quality replacement. I would hope others see it the same way. #IASPAchat
A5:Be ethical - if you are taking someone last minute you are impacting students - let people give notice and the opp 4 that district to have 2 wks or so to hire. Karma, baby! ALSO: build your applicant pool constantly so you have a bench to go to if needed! #IASPAchat
A5: Communicate - professional courtesy is extended when you engage in ethical conversations while observing a level of confidentiality. It is very much like... #IASPAchat
Q7: We check in as a team on a daily basis just for 5 minutes (see book Death By Meeting). It helps us to connect and to support one another. We shift and share work based upon what we are all facing. Again, love my OP HR Team!! #IASPAchat
So true @Chris Wolk. It's bad from to hire anyone away from another district without first making a phone call whether it's last minute or not!
#IASPAchat
Q6 When I have trouble finding
references, I connect back to the candidates and make sure they know I can't hire without them. They are always motivated to help make contact! #IASPAchat
A5: Communicate - professional courtesy is extended when you engage in ethical conversations while observing a level of confidentiality. It is very much like... #IASPAchat
Q6 When I have trouble finding
references, I connect back to the candidates and make sure they know I can't hire without them. They are always motivated to help make contact! #IASPAchat
A6: We use the reference check email document in Applitrack for 2 of the 3, and continue to call/email and leave messages for the immediate supervisor until we make that contact. #IASPAchat
A6: Candidate has to provide additional info or new reference if we can't reach them! We are as flexible as possible but refences are a must! #IASPAchat
A6: As @LcglickmanLynn mentioned. Get back to the candidate and let them know we can not move forward with the reference, especially of the most recent supervisor. #IASPAchat
A6: We use the reference check email document in Applitrack for 2 of the 3, and continue to call/email and leave messages for the immediate supervisor until we make that contact. #IASPAchat
A6: We contact references through emails when we can't track them down via phone. We also provide our work cell phone numbers. We also turn to the candidate for help reaching their supervisors and share that this is a required step in the selection process. #IASPAchat
A6: I warn prospective candidates that if we can't directly contact the reference we will speak with anyone in that office who can tell us where to find them and the best way to reach them. Make sure people know you're looking. #IASPAchat
A6: Candidate has to provide additional info or new reference if we can't reach them! We are as flexible as possible but refences are a must! #IASPAchat
A6: Look and see if they have social media accounts and connect there with the intent of conducting the check over the phone. Do NOT do this over social media (know your limits). #IASPAchat
I can't believe I never thought to look at social media accounts. This is a massive takeaway from the #IASPAchat today for me. SMH! I love @jonbartelt Forever my informal mentor.
A6: Look and see if they have social media accounts and connect there with the intent of conducting the check over the phone. Do NOT do this over social media (know your limits). #IASPAchat
Q7 Interesting question. In reality, I don't know of a department that isn't stressed during the summer. So, we have to treat each other gently, meet each other's deadlines, and encourage each other to find some summer in our summers. #IASPAchat
Q7: Department expectations can be different during the summer. How do you maintain balance when the HR Department is stressed and others are not? #IASPAchat
A7 We recognize the acute timeliness and execution risk of the Human Resources function. We try to support, not schedule or implement projects with Personnel, outside of @Skyward_Inc#Qmlativ#IASPAchat
A7: If need be, we push back at our other departments to give us time to complete certain tasks. We have also cross-trained staff for some of the data entry to assist us when we are swamped. #IASPAchat
Q8: We connect with the sending District and coordinate/time communication. We don't want to get ahead of them and vice versa. We know how quickly news carries, especially with social media. It is best to talk first instead of causing a problem. #IASPAchat
A7: Summer hiring involves so many departments that it helps to share that stress when it arises. When it really gets tough, being open about that it helpful so colleagues understand why your schedule is so full. #IASPAchat
A7: We consistently revisit our goals & celebrate the small wins. We all recognize each other's efforts in the selection process & are thrilled each time we onboard a new employee. #IASPAchat
A7: We go out of our way to fill the day with laughter. A little self-deprecating humor goes a long way to ease the stress we are currently experiencing. We also eat a lot of food although that is unfairly expanding my waistline! #IASPAchat
I don't think people outside of School HR and Business offices understand the magnitude to which data entry completion takes. Massive time commitment. #IASPAchat
A7: If need be, we push back at our other departments to give us time to complete certain tasks. We have also cross-trained staff for some of the data entry to assist us when we are swamped. #IASPAchat
A7: Summer hiring involves so many departments that it helps to share that stress when it arises. When it really gets tough, being open about that it helpful so colleagues understand why your schedule is so full. #IASPAchat
A7: We go out of our way to fill the day with laughter. A little self-deprecating humor goes a long way to ease the stress we are currently experiencing. We also eat a lot of food although that is unfairly expanding my waistline! #IASPAchat
A8: Once they are a finalist and know checking w/ other dist., I would reach out to HR there to do our due diligence, give them a "heads up" and, if need be, discuss transition. I am fine with same in return. #IASPAchat
This is where the Communications Coordinator in the district comes in really handy. @cateked is masterful at coordinating admin transition for us in @DPS109 Best wishes to her as she moves on to bigger and better things. #IASPAchat
Q8: We connect with the sending District and coordinate/time communication. We don't want to get ahead of them and vice versa. We know how quickly news carries, especially with social media. It is best to talk first instead of causing a problem. #IASPAchat
A8: We have special protocols for admin hires to ensure that superintendents between the districts make contact and that the HR leaders also speak. Admin hires always have unforeseen ramifications at this time of the year. #IASPAchat
A8: Before we offer a contract, our superintendent communicates w/his peer. I call the HR contact & the person who evaluated the administrator to check references, communicate timelines, & to discuss when info will be shared w/others. I expect the same in return. #IASPAchat
With all of the admin hiring we've done this year, I feel like the work we've done with our communications team to ensure smooth transitions is worthy of an Oscar Award. #IASPAchat
A8: Once they are a finalist and know checking w/ other dist., I would reach out to HR there to do our due diligence, give them a "heads up" and, if need be, discuss transition. I am fine with same in return. #IASPAchat
A8: If I’m the intaking district, I reach out to my colleague and see what their comfort level is with onboarding the leader as soon as possible. If yes, begin scheduling immediately. If no, be respectful of their needs. #IASPAchat
A8: At this time of year some background info should occur prior to the final decision. WHY is this person looking at this point. Any red flags. #IASPAchat
A8: At this time of year some background info should occur prior to the final decision. WHY is this person looking at this point. Any red flags. #IASPAchat
A8.2: If I’m the outsourcing district, I connect with my leader, congratulate them, and create a path that eases their transition to their new role. Be kind! #IASPAchat
I loved learning with all of you this morning! Let's continue to expand our PLN. 1)Follow someone new 2) Retweet a favorite response 3)Read through the posts from the #IASPAchat hashtag 4)Join @_AASPA_#k12talent chat 5)Organize a Tweetup & meet face-to-face #IASPAchat
This topic will be a good one. It came up a lot today. Exploring the REFERENCE CHECK on 9/6! Can't wait to hear what my @_IASPA_ friends have to say. #IASPAchat
A8.2: If I’m the outsourcing district, I connect with my leader, congratulate them, and create a path that eases their transition to their new role. Be kind! #IASPAchat
